| Commons Journal 260
Chronological Index
Alphabetical Index - Part I
Alphabetical Index - Part II
Page 262 2003-2004 Volume 260
[No. 69.] Monday 19th April 2004.
The House met at half-past Two o'clock. PRAYERS.
| 1 | Message from the Lords,—A Message was brought from the Lords, as follows: |
The Lords have agreed to the National Insurance Contributions and Statutory Payments Bill, without Amendment.
Patents Bill [Lords],—The Lords have passed a Bill to amend the law relating to Patents; to which the Lords desire the concurrence of this House.
The Lords have come to the following Resolution, to which they desire the concurrence of this House:
That it is expedient that a Joint Committee of Lords and Commons be appointed to consider and report on any draft Charities Bill presented to both Houses by a Minister of the Crown, and that the Committee should report on the draft Bill by 30th September 2004.
| 2 | Patents Bill [Lords],—The Patents Bill [Lords] was read the first time, and ordered to be read a second time to-morrow; and printed pursuant to Standing Order No. 57A (Bills brought from the Lords) on 6th April [Bill 90]. |
Ordered, That the Explanatory Notes relating to the Patents Bill [Lords] be printed [Bill 90–EN].
| 3 | Planning and Compulsory Purchase Bill (Programme) (No. 2),—A Motion was made, and the Question being put forthwith, pursuant to Orders [28th June 2001 and 6th November 2003 (Programming of Bills)], That the following provisions shall apply to the Planning and Compulsory Purchase Bill for the purpose of supplementing the Orders of 17th December 2002, 8th September 2003 and 8th December 2003: |
Consideration of Lords Amendments
1. Proceedings on Consideration of Lords Amendments shall be completed at today's sitting.
2. Proceedings shall be taken in the order shown in the first column of the following Table.
3. The proceedings shown in the first column of the Table shall (so far as not previously concluded) be brought to a conclusion at the time specified in the second column.
| Proceedings | Time for conclusion of proceedings |
| Lords Amendments Nos. 1 to 5 | One and a half hours after the commencement of proceedings on consideration of Lords Amendments. |
| Lords Amendments Nos. 21 to 23, 26, 27, 41, 42, 45 to 47, 6 to 20, 24, 25, 28 to 40, 43, 44, 48 to 143 | The moment of interruption. |
Subsequent stages
4. Any further Message from the Lords may be considered forthwith without any Question put.
5. Proceedings on any further Message from the Lords shall (so far as not previously concluded) be brought to a conclusion one hour after their commencement—(Keith Hill);
The House divided.
Tellers for the Ayes, Derek Twigg, Jim Fitzpatrick: 260.
Tellers for the Noes, Mr David Wilshire, Mr Geoffrey Clifton-Brown: 149.
So the Question was agreed to.
| 4 | Planning and Compulsory Purchase Bill,—The House, according to Order, proceeded to consider the Lords Amendments to the Planning and Compulsory Purchase Bill. |
Lords Amendment No. 1.
A Motion was made, and the Question being proposed, That this House disagrees with the Lords in their Amendment—(Keith Hill);
And it being one and a half hours after the commencement of proceedings on the Lords Amendments, the Deputy Speaker put the Question, pursuant to Order [this day].
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The House divided.
Tellers for the Ayes, Jim Fitzpatrick, Derek Twigg: 289.
Tellers for the Noes, Mr Peter Atkinson, Mr David Wilshire: 166.
So the Question was agreed to.
The Lords Amendment was accordingly disagreed to.
The Deputy Speaker then put the remaining Questions to be decided at that hour.
Lords Amendment No. 2 was disagreed to.
Lords Amendment No. 3.
A Motion was made, and the Question being put, That this House disagrees with the Lords in their Amendment—(Keith Hill);
The House divided.
Tellers for the Ayes, Derek Twigg, Mr Nick Ainger: 288.
Tellers for the Noes, Mr David Wilshire, Mr Geoffrey Clifton-Brown: 167.
So the Question was agreed to.
The Lords Amendment was accordingly disagreed to.
Lords Amendments Nos. 4 and 5 were disagreed to.
Lords Amendment No. 21.
A Motion was made, and the Question being put, That this House disagrees with the Lords in their Amendment—(Keith Hill);
The House divided.
Tellers for the Ayes, Charlotte Atkins, Mr Nick Ainger: 274.
Tellers for the Noes, Mr Peter Atkinson, Mr Geoffrey Clifton-Brown: 162.
So the Question was agreed to.
The Lords Amendment was accordingly disagreed to.
Lords Amendments Nos. 22, 23, 26 and 27 were disagreed to.
Lords Amendment No. 41.
A Motion was made, and the Question being put, That this House disagrees with the Lords in their Amendment—(Keith Hill);
The House divided.
Tellers for the Ayes, Mr John Heppell, Joan Ryan: 277.
Tellers for the Noes, Mr David Wilshire, Mr Geoffrey Clifton-Brown: 164.
So the Question was agreed to.
The Lords Amendment was accordingly disagreed to.
Lords Amendment No. 42 was disagreed to.
Lords Amendment No. 45.
A Motion was made, and the Question being put, That this House disagrees with the Lords in their Amendment—(Keith Hill);
The House divided.
Tellers for the Ayes, Joan Ryan, Charlotte Atkins: 280.
Tellers for the Noes, Mr David Wilshire, Mr Geoffrey Clifton-Brown: 163.
So the Question was agreed to.
The Lords Amendment was accordingly disagreed to.
It being after Ten o'clock, the Speaker put the remaining Questions to be decided at that hour.
Lords Amendment No. 46 was disagreed to.
An Amendment ((a)) was made to the Bill in lieu of Lords Amendment No. 46 disagreed to.
Lords Amendment No. 47 was disagreed to.
An Amendment ((a)) was made to the Bill in lieu of Lords Amendment No. 47 disagreed to.
Lords Amendments Nos. 130 and 139 were disagreed to.
The remaining Lords Amendments (Nos. 6 to 20, 24, 25, 28 to 40, 43, 44, 48 to 129, 131 to 138 and 140 to 143) were agreed to.
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A Motion was made, and the Question being put forthwith pursuant to Orders [28th June 2001 and 6th November 2003 (Programming of Bills)], That a Committee be appointed to draw up Reasons to be assigned to the Lords for disagreeing to their Amendments Nos. 1 to 5, 21 to 23, 26, 27, 41, 42, 45, 130 and 139.
That Paul Clark, Linda Gilroy, Matthew Green, Mr John Hayes and Keith Hill be members of the Committee.
That Keith Hill be the Chairman of the Committee.
That three be the Quorum of the Committee.
That the Committee do withdraw immediately—(Paul Clark):—It was agreed to.
| 5 | Pensions Bill (Programme) (No. 2),—A Motion was made, and the Question being put forthwith, pursuant to Orders [28th June 2001 and 6th November 2003 (Programming of Bills)], That the Order of 2nd March (Pensions Bill (Programme)) shall be amended by the substitution in paragraph 2 (time for conclusion of proceedings in Standing Committee) for the words ‘22nd April 2004' of the words ‘29th April 2004'—(Mr Jim Murphy); |
The House divided.
Tellers for the Ayes, Jim Fitzpatrick, Joan Ryan: 310.
Tellers for the Noes, Gregory Barker, Mr Peter Atkinson: 113.
So the Question was agreed to.
| 6 | Planning and Compulsory Purchase Bill,—Keith Hill reported from the Committee appointed to draw up Reasons to be assigned to the Lords for disagreeing to certain of their Amendments to the Planning and Compulsory Purchase Bill, That it had drawn up the following Reasons, which it had directed him to report to the House: |
The Commons disagree to Lords Amendments Nos. 1, 4 and 5 for the following Reason:
Because it is not appropriate to restrict the application of a regional spatial strategy only to regions which have elected assemblies.
The Commons disagree to Lords Amendment No. 2 for the following Reason:
Because it is not appropriate to make such provision.
The Commons disagree to Lords Amendment No. 3 for the following Reason:
Because it is not appropriate to create more than one tier of regional spatial strategy.
The Commons disagree to Lords Amendment Nos. 21, 22 and 23 for the following Reason:
Because it is not consistent with measures to speed up the plan making process.
The Commons disagree to Lords Amendment Nos. 26 and 27 for the following Reason:
Because it is not appropriate to make such provision.
The Commons disagree to Lords Amendment No. 41 for the following Reason:
Because it is not appropriate to make such provisions.
The Commons disagree to Lords Amendments No. 42 for the following Reason:
Because it will prevent the more speedy creation of simplified planning zones.
The Commons disagree to Lords Amendments No. 45 for the following Reason:
Because it is not necessary to make the provision to which the Lords Amendment relates.
The Commons disagree to Lords Amendment No. 130 for the following Reason:
Because it is not appropriate to abolish simplified planning zones.
The Commons disagree to Lords Amendment No. 139 for the following Reason:
Because it is not appropriate to retain the existing arrangements for the creation of simplified planning zones.
The Reasons were agreed to.
Message to the Lords to communicate the said Reasons, with the Bill and Amendments.
| 7 | Income Tax,—A Motion was made, and the Question being put forthwith, pursuant to Standing Order No. 118 (Standing Committees on Delegated Legislation), That an humble Address be presented to Her Majesty, praying that the Double Taxation Relief (Taxes on Income) (New Zealand) Order 2004 be made in the form of the draft laid before this House on 9th March—(Mr Jim Murphy):—It was agreed to. |
Address to be presented to Her Majesty by such Members of the House as are of Her Majesty's Most Honourable Privy Council or of Her Majesty's Household.
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| 8 | Justice,—A Motion was made, and the Question being put forthwith, pursuant to Standing Order No. 118 (Standing Committees on Delegated Legislation), That the draft Lay Magistrates (Eligibility) (Northern Ireland) Order 2004, which was laid before this House on 11th March, be approved—(Mr Jim Murphy):—It was agreed to. |
| 9 | Recovery of Sole Stocks in the Western Channel and the Bay of Biscay,—A Motion was made, and the Question being put forthwith, pursuant to Standing Order No. 119 (European Standing Committees), That this House takes note of European Union Documents No. 5199/04, draft Regulation on the recovery of sole stocks in the Western Channel and the Bay of Biscay, and No. 5205/04, Commission Staff Working Paper on a draft Regulation establishing measures for the recovery of sole stocks in the Western Channel and the Bay of Biscay; takes note of the Government's concerns about the targets proposed for recovery and the impact of the proposals on vessels catching sole as part of a mixed fishery; and supports the Government's intention to ensure a close dialogue with the fishing industry on these proposals—(Mr Jim Murphy):—It was agreed to. |
| 10 | Business of the House,—Ordered, That at the sitting on Thursday 29th April, notwithstanding the provisions of paragraph (2)(c) of Standing Order No. 14 (Arrangement of public business), proceedings on any Motion in the name of the Leader of the Opposition shall be entered upon at the conclusion of Government business and may continue, though opposed, for three hours, and shall then lapse if not previously disposed of, and the Orders of the House of 28th June 2001 and 6th November 2003 relating to deferred Divisions shall not apply.—(Mr Jim Murphy.) |
| 11 | Northern Ireland Grand Committee,—Ordered, That— |
(1) the matter of the social economy in Northern Ireland be referred to the Northern Ireland Grand Committee;
(2) the Committee shall meet at Westminster on Thursday 29th April at half-past Two o'clock; and
(3) at that sitting—
(a) the Committee shall consider the matter referred to it under paragraph (1) above;
(b) the Chairman shall interrupt proceedings not later than two hours after their commencement; and
(c) at the conclusion of those proceedings, a motion for the adjournment of the Committee may be made by a Minister of the Crown, pursuant to paragraph (5) of Standing Order No. 116 (Northern Ireland Grand Committee (sittings)).—(Mr Jim Murphy.)
| 12 | Public Petitions,—A Public Petition from persons on the Electoral Roll in the Parliamentary Constituency of Castle Point and others for a referendum on the European Constitution at the conclusion of the Intergovernmental Conference was presented and read; and ordered to lie upon the Table and to be printed. |
| 13 | Adjournment,—Resolved, That this House do now adjourn.—(Mr Jim Murphy.) |
And accordingly the House, having continued to sit till seven minutes to Eleven o'clock, adjourned till to-morrow.
[Adjourned at 10.53 p.m.
APPENDIX I
Papers presented or laid upon the Table:
Papers presented by Her Majesty's Command and delivered to the Votes and Proceedings Office on the undermentioned dates during the adjournment pursuant to Standing Order No. 158 (Presentation of command papers):
Wednesday 14th April 2004
| 1 | Vanuatu (No. 1, 2004),—Agreement, done at Port Vila on the 22nd December 2003, between the Government of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland and the Government of the Republic of Vanuatu for the Promotion and Protection of Investments, with an Explanatory Memorandum [Cm. 6169] [Mr Secretary Straw]. |
Thursday 15th April 2004
| 2 | European Communities (No. 1, 2004),—Agreement, done at Luxembourg on the 14th October 2003, on the participation of the Czech Republic, the Republic of Estonia, the Republic of Cyprus, the Republic of Latvia, the Republic of Lithuania, the Republic of Hungary, the Republic of Malta, the Republic of Poland, the Republic of Slovenia and the Slovak Republic in the European Economic Area including Final Act with Declarations, with an Explanatory Memorandum [Cm. 6171] [Mr Secretary Straw]. |
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Friday 16th April 2004
| 3 | Treaty Series (No. 17, 2004),—Cartagena Protocol, done at Montreal on 29th January 2000, on Biosafety to the Convention on Biological Diversity [Cm. 6170] [Mr Secretary Straw]. |
Papers delivered to the Votes and Proceedings Office on the undermentioned dates during the adjournment pursuant to Standing Order No. 159 (Presentation of statutory instruments):
Papers subject to Negative Resolution:
Friday 2nd April 2004
| 4 | Criminal Law,—Crime (International Co-operation) Act 2003 (Designation of Prosecuting Authorities) Order 2004 (S.I., 2004, No. 1034), dated 31st March 2004 [Mr Secretary Blunkett]. |
| 5 | Electronic Communications,—Privacy and Electronic Communications (EC Directive) (Amendment) Regulations 2004 (S.I., 2004, No. 1039), dated 31st March 2004 [Ms Secretary Hewitt]. |
| 6 | Merchant Shipping,—Merchant Shipping (Liability of Shipowners and Others) (New Rate of Interest) Order 2004 (S.I., 2004, No. 931), dated 25th March 2004 [Mr Secretary Darling]. |
| 7 | Police,—Railway Safety Accreditation Scheme Regulations 2004 (S.I., 2004, No. 915), dated 24th March 2004 [Mr Secretary Darling]. |
| 8 | Road Traffic,—Road Traffic (Permitted Parking Area and Special Parking Area) (County of Surrey) (District of Mole Valley) Order 2004 (S.I., 2004, No. 914), dated 24th March 2004 [Mr Secretary Darling]. |
| 9 | Sports Grounds and Sporting Events,—Football Spectators (European Championship Control Period) Order 2004 (S.I., 2004, No. 1029), dated 26th March 2004 [Mr Secretary Blunkett]. |
Monday 5th April 2004
| 10 | Agriculture,—Common Agricultural Policy (Wine) (England and Northern Ireland) (Amendment) Regulations 2004 (S.I., 2004, No. 1046), dated 2nd April 2004 [Secretary Margaret Beckett]. |
| 11 | Education,—Education Maintenance Allowance (Pilot Areas) (Revocation) Regulations 2004 (S.I., 2004, No. 1006), dated 30th March 2004 [Mr Secretary Clarke]. |
| 12 | Insolvency,—Credit Institutions (Reorganisation and Winding up) Regulations 2004 (S.I., 2004, No. 1045), dated 1st April 2004 [Ruth Kelly]. |
| 13 | Magistrates' Courts,—Magistrates' Courts (Crime (International Co-operation)) Rules 2004 (S.I., 2004, No. 1048), dated 5th April 2004 [Mr Secretary Blunkett]. |
| 14 | Social Security,—(1) Employment Zones (Amendment) Regulations 2004 (S.I., 2004, No. 1043), dated 1st April 2004, |
(2) Social Security (Income-Related Benefits Self-Employment Route Amendment) Regulations 2004 (S.I., 2004, No. 963), dated 30th March 2004, and
(3) Social Security (Working Neighbourhoods) Regulations 2004 (S.I., 2004, No. 959), dated 29th March 2004
[Mr Secretary Smith].
| 15 | Supreme Court of England and Wales,—Crown Court (Amendment) Rules 2004 (S.I., 2004, No. 1047), dated 5th April 2004 [Mr Secretary Blunkett]. |
Tuesday 6th April 2004
| 16 | Customs and Excise,—(1) Export of Goods, Transfer of Technology and Provision of Technical Assistance (Control) (Amendment) Order 2004 (S.I., 2004, No. 1050), and |
(2) Trade in Controlled Goods (Embargoed Destinations) (Amendment) Order 2004 (S.I., 2004, No. 1049),
dated 1st April 2004 [Ms Secretary Hewitt].
| 17 | Disabled Persons,—(1) Rail Vehicle Accessibility (CrossCountry Trains Class 220 and Class 221) Exemption Order 2004 (S.I., 2004, No. 955), and |
(2) Rail Vehicle Accessibility (Midland Mainline Class 222 Vehicles) Exemption Order 2004 (S.I., 2004, No. 954),
dated 29th March 2004 [Mr Secretary Darling].
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| 18 | Education,—(1) Education (Mandatory Awards) (Amendment) Regulations 2004 (S.I., 2004, No. 1038), and |
(2) Education (Student Loans) (Amendment) (England and Wales) Regulations 2004 (S.I., 2004, No. 1030),
dated 30th March 2004 [Mr Secretary Clarke].
| 19 | Health and Safety,—Good Laboratory Practice (Codification Amendments Etc.) Regulations 2004 (S.I., 2004, No. 994), dated 30th March 2004 [Mr Secretary Reid]. |
| 20 | Insolvency,—Insolvency (Amendment No. 2) Rules 2004 (S.I., 2004, No. 1070), dated 6th April 2004 [Ms Secretary Hewitt]. |
| 21 | Landlord and Tenant,—Landlord and Tenant Act 1954, Part 2 (Notices) Regulations 2004 (S.I., 2004, No. 1005), dated 30th March 2004 [Mr Secretary Prescott]. |
| 22 | Magistrates' Courts,—(1) Magistrates' Courts (Foreign Travel Orders) Rules 2004 (S.I., 2004, No. 1051), |
(2) Magistrates' Courts (Notification Orders) Rules 2004 (S.I., 2004, No. 1052),
(3) Magistrates' Courts (Risk of Sexual Harm Orders) Rules 2004 (S.I., 2004, No. 1053), and
(4) Magistrates' Courts (Sexual Offences Prevention Orders) Rules 2004 (S.I., 2004, No. 1054),
dated 5th April 2004 [Mr Christopher Leslie].
| 23 | Taxes,—Stamp Duty Land Tax (Amendment of Part 4 of the Finance Act 2003) Regulations 2004 (S.I., 2004, No. 1069), dated 6th April 2004 [Ruth Kelly]. |
| 24 | Value Added Tax,—Value Added Tax Tribunals (Amendment) Rules 2004 (S.I., 2004, No. 1032), dated 26th March 2004 [Mr Christopher Leslie]. |
Wednesday 7th April 2004
| 25 | Criminal Law,—International Criminal Court Act 2001 (Elements of Crimes) Regulations 2004 (S.I., 2004, No. 1080), dated 9th March 2004 [Mr Secretary Straw]. |
| 26 | Education,—Education (Modifications to Requirements for Pupil Performance Information) (England) Regulations 2004 (S.I., 2004, No. 1076), dated 6th April 2004 [Mr Secretary Clarke]. |
| 27 | Immigration,—Immigration Employment Document (Fees) (Amendment) Regulations 2004 (S.I., 2004, No. 1044), dated 2nd April 2004 [Mr Secretary Blunkett]. |
| 28 | Income Tax,—Income Tax (Sub-contractors in the Construction Industry) (Amendment) Regulations 2004 (S.I., 2004, No. 1075), dated 6th April 2004 [Dawn Primarolo]. |
| 29 | Legal Aid and Advice,—(1) Legal Advice and Assistance (Amendment No. 2) Regulations (Northern Ireland) 2004 (S.R. (N.I.), 2004, No. 168), dated 24th March 2004, |
(2) Legal Advice and Assistance (Amendment No. 3) Regulations (Northern Ireland) 2004 (S.R. (N.I.), 2004, No. 169), dated 30th March 2004, and
(3) Legal Aid (Assessment of Resources) (Amendment) Regulations (Northern Ireland) 2004 (S.R. (N.I.), 2004, No. 167), dated 24th March 2004
[Mr David Lammy].
| 30 | London Government,—Transport for London (White City) Order 2004 (S.I., 2004, No. 965), dated 29th March 2004 [Mr Secretary Darling]. |
| 31 | Police,—Police Service of Northern Ireland (Secondment) (Garda Si"ocha"na) Regulations 2004 (S.R. (N.I.), 2004, No. 122), dated 11th March 2004 [Mr Secretary Murphy]. |
| 32 | Representation of the People,—(1) Local Elections (Parishes and Communities) (Amendment) (No. 2) (England and Wales) Rules 2004 (S.I., 2004, No. 1040), and |
(2) Local Elections (Principal Areas) (Amendment) (No. 2) (England and Wales) Rules 2004 (S.I., 2004, No. 1041),
dated 31st March 2004 [Mr Secretary Prescott].
| 33 | Social Care,—Independent Review of Determinations (Adoption) (Amendment) Regulations 2004 (S.I., 2004, No. 1081), dated 7th April 2004 [Mr Secretary Clarke]. |
| 34 | Value Added Tax,—Value Added Tax (Amendment) (No. 2) Regulations 2004 (S.I., 2004, No. 1082), dated 7th April 2004 [John Healey]. |
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Thursday 8th April 2004
| 35 | Competition,—(1) Competition Act 1998 (Appealable Decisions and Revocation of Notification of Excluded Agreements) Regulations 2004 (S.I., 2004, No. 1078), |
(2) Competition Act 1998 (Concurrency) Regulations 2004 (S.I., 2004, No. 1077), and
(3) EC Merger Control (Consequential Amendments) Regulations 2004 (S.I., 2004, No. 1079),
dated 6th April 2004 [Ms Secretary Hewitt].
| 36 | National Health Service,—National Health Service (Dental Charges) Amendment Regulations 2004 (S.I., 2004, No. 1091), dated 7th April 2004 [Mr Secretary Reid]. |
Tuesday 13th April 2004
| 37 | Police,—Independent Police Complaints Commission (Transitional Provisions) (Amendment) Order 2004 (S.I., 2004, No. 1092), dated 7th April 2004 [Mr Secretary Blunkett]. |
Wednesday 14th April 2004
| 38 | Legal Aid and Advice,—Legal Advice and Assistance (Amendment No. 4) Regulations (Northern Ireland) 2004 (S.R. (N.I.), 2004, No. 180), dated 4th April 2004 [Mr David Lammy]. |
| 39 | Merchant Shipping,—Merchant Shipping (Passenger Ships on Domestic Voyages) (Amendment) Regulations 2004 (S.I., 2004, No. 1107), dated 13th April 2004 [Mr Secretary Darling]. |
Thursday 15th April 2004
| 40 | European Communities,—European Communities (Designation) (No. 2) Order 2004 (S.I., 2004, No. 1110), dated 14th April 2004 [Mr Secretary Straw]. |
| 41 | National Health Service,—National Health Service (Optical Charges and Payments) and (General Ophthalmic Services) (Miscellaneous Amendments) Regulations 2004 (S.I., 2004, No. 1138), dated 13th April 2004 [Mr Secretary Reid]. |
| 42 | United Nations,—(1) Liberia (United Nations Sanctions) (Channel Islands) (Amendment) Order 2004 (S.I., 2004, No. 1113), and |
(2) Liberia (United Nations Sanctions) (Isle of Man) (Amendment) Order 2004 (S.I., 2004, No. 1120),
dated 14th April 2004 [Mr David Lammy].
Friday 16th April 2004
| 43 | Food,—Food (Jelly Confectionery) (Emergency Control) (England) (Amendment) Regulations 2004 (S.I., 2004, No. 1151), dated 16th April 2004 [Mr Secretary Reid]. |
| 44 | Health and Safety,—Carriage of Dangerous Goods and Use of Transportable Pressure Equipment Regulations 2004 (S.I., 2004, No. 568), dated 1st April 2004 [Mr Secretary Darling]. |
| 45 | Police,—(1) International Joint Investigation Teams (International Agreement) Order 2004 (S.I., 2004, No. 1127), and |
(2) Regulation of Investigatory Powers (Foreign Surveillance Operations) Order 2004 (S.I., 2004, No. 1128),
dated 13th April 2004 [Mr Secretary Blunkett].
| 46 | Transport,—Greater Manchester (Light Rapid Transit System) (Exemption) Order 2004 (S.I., 2004, No. 1072), dated 5th April 2004 [Mr Secretary Darling]. |
Other Papers:
Thursday 15th April 2004
| 47 | Overseas Territories,—(1) Liberia (Restrictive Measures) (Overseas Territories) (Amendment) Order 2004 (S.I., 2004, No. 1112), and |
(2) Overseas Territories (Zimbabwe) (Restrictive Measures) (Amendment) Order 2004 (S.I., 2004, No. 1111),
dated 14th April 2004 [Mr Secretary Straw].
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Papers presented or laid upon the Table on Monday 19th April 2004:
Papers subject to Affirmative Resolution:
| 48 | Competition,—Draft Competition Act 1998 (Land Agreements Exclusion and Revocation) Order 2004 [by Act], with and Explanatory Memorandum [by Command] [Ms Secretary Hewitt]. |
| 49 | Criminal Law,—Draft Criminal Justice Act 2003 (Conditional Cautions: Code of Practice) Order 2004 [by Act], with an Explanatory Memorandum [by Command] [Mr Secretary Blunkett]. |
| 50 | International Immunities and Privileges,—Draft Preparatory Commission for the Comprehensive Nuclear-Test-Ban Treaty Organization (Immunities and Privileges) Order 2004 [by Act], with an Explanatory Memorandum [by Command] [Mr Secretary Straw]. |
Papers subject to Negative Resolution:
| 51 | Fees and Charges,—Medicines for Human Use (Clinical Trials Fees Amendments) Regulations 2004 (S.I., 2004, No. 1157), dated 19th April 2004 [by Act] [Mr Secretary Reid]. |
| 52 | Pensions,—Occupational Pension Schemes (Winding Up) (Amendment) Regulations 2004 (S.I., 2004, No. 1140), dated 15th April 2004 [by Act] [Mr Secretary Smith]. |
Other Papers:
| 53 | Air Force (Constitution),—Amendment List 9 to the Queen's Regulations for the Royal Air Force (Fifth Edition) [by Act] [Mr Secretary Hoon]. |
| 54 | Aircraft and Shipbuilding,—Report and Accounts of British Shipbuilders for 2002–03 [by Act] [Ms Secretary Hewitt]. |
| 55 | Broadcasting,—Report and Financial Statements of the Channel Four Television Corporation for 2003 [by Act] [Secretary Tessa Jowell]. |
| 56 | Constitutional Affairs,—Government Response to the First Report from the Constitutional Affairs Committee on Judicial Appointments and a Supreme Court (court of final appeal), Session 2003–04 [by Command] [Cm. 6150] [Mr Christopher Leslie]. |
| 57 | Criminal Justice,—Code of Practice on Conditional Cautioning [by Act] [Mr Secretary Blunkett]. |
| 58 | Government Resources and Accounts,—(1) Account of the British Hallmarking Council for 2003–04, with the Report of the Comptroller and Auditor General thereon [by Act]; to be printed [No. 521] [Clerk of the House], and |
(2) Treasury Minute, dated 19th April 2004, directing the application of certain amounts as appropriations in aid of the Estimates for the year ending 31st March 2005 [by Act] [Mr Paul Boateng].
| 59 | Industrial Organisation and Development,—Report and Accounts of the Milk Development Council for 2002–03 [by Act] [Secretary Margaret Beckett]. |
| 60 | National Audit,—Reports by the Comptroller and Auditor General on— |
(1) Improving public transport in England through light rail, and
(2) The UK Emissions Trading Scheme: A New Way to Combat Climate Change
[by Act]; to be printed [Nos. 518 and 517] [Clerk of the House].
| 61 | National Health Service,—(1) Statement of Guarantee given by the Secretary of State for Health on 29th March 2004 on loans proposed to be raised by Nottingham City Hospital National Health Service Trust; and |
(2) Statement of Guarantee given by the Secretary of State for Health on 31st March 2004 on loans proposed to be raised by Southampton University Hospitals National Health Service Trust
[by Act] [Mr Secretary Reid].
| 62 | National Health Service Reform and Healthcare Professions,—Account of the Commission for Patient and Public Involvement in Health for the three month period to 31st March 2003, with the Report of the Comptroller and Auditor General thereon [by Act]; to be printed [No. 519] [Clerk of the House]. |
| 63 | Parliamentary and Other Pensions,—Account of the Parliamentary Contributory Pension Fund for 2002–03, with the Report of the Comptroller and Auditor General thereon [by Act]; to be printed [No. 520] [Clerk of the House]. |
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| 64 | Public Expenditure,—Paper, entitled Public Expenditure: Statistical Analyses 2004 [by Command] [Cm. 6201] [Mr Paul Boateng]. |
| 65 | Public Petitions,—(1) Observations by the Deputy Prime Minister on the Petitions— |
(i) [11th March] from Inspector Homes Ltd for an inquiry into the quality standards and consumer protection for the building of new homes; and
(ii) [23rd March] from readers of the Star newspaper, High Wycombe, for a reduction in levels of Council Tax in Buckinghamshire;
(2) Observations by the Secretary of State for Health on the Petition [10th March] from Dr M. D. Hellier and others for the introduction of a health warning on containers of alcoholic drink; and
(3) Observations by the Secretary of State for Health on the Petition [15th March] from Mr and Mrs Luxton and others for research into molecular patches as a treatment for Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy
[by Standing Order]; to be printed [Clerk of the House].
| 66 | Supply Estimates,—(1) Main Supply Estimates for 2004–05 for— |
(i) Central Government [by Command]; to be printed [No. 466] [Mr Paul Boateng],
(ii) the Electoral Commission [by Command]; to be printed [No. 469] [The Speaker],
(iii) the House of Commons: Administration [by Act]; to be printed [No. 467] [The Speaker], and
(iv) the National Audit Office [by Act]; to be printed [No. 468] [Mr Alan Williams]; and
(2) Central Government Supply Estimates: Supplementary Budgetary Information [by Command] [Cm. 6133] [Mr Paul Boateng].
Papers withdrawn:
| 67 | Competition,—Draft Competition Act 1998 (Land Agreements Exclusion and Revocation) Order 2004 [laid 31st March]. |
APPENDIX II
Standing Committees
| 1 | Draft Sexual Offences Act 2003 (Travel Notification Requirements) Regulations 2004,—The Committee of Selection has discharged Virginia Bottomley and Mr Barry Gardiner from the First Standing Committee on Delegated Legislation (nominated in respect of the draft Regulations) and nominated in substitution Mr Edward Garnier and Shona McIsaac. |
| 2 | Draft Merchant Shipping (Convention on Limitation of Liability for Maritime Claims) (Amendment) Order 2004,—The Committee of Selection has discharged Mr Damian Green from the Third Standing Committee on Delegated Legislation (nominated in respect of the draft Order) and nominated in substitution Mr Christopher Chope. |
European Standing Committees
| 3 | The Speaker has appointed Mr Peter Pike Chairman of European Standing Committee A in respect of European Union Documents Nos. 7969/01 and 11794/03 on Protection of animals during transport. |
APPENDIX III
Reports from Select Committees
| 1 | Education and Skills,—Minutes of Evidence taken before the Education and Skills Committee [National Skills Strategy: 14–19 Education]; to be printed [No. 197-viii] [Mr Barry Sheerman]. |
| 2 | Office of the Deputy Prime Minister: Housing, Planning, Local Government and the Regions,—Memoranda submitted to the Office of the Deputy Prime Minister: Housing, Planning, Local Government and the Regions Committee [Local Government Revenue]; to be printed [No. 402-II] [Andrew Bennett]. |
| 3 | Work and Pensions,—Minutes of Evidence taken before the Sub-Committee of Work and Pensions Committee [DWP's Administration of IT Projects]; to be printed [No. 311-vii] [Sir Archy Kirkwood]. |
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[No. 70.] Tuesday 20th April 2004.
The House met at half-past Eleven o'clock. PRAYERS.
| 1 | First Standing Committee on Delegated Legislation,—Mr Bill Olner reported from the First Standing Committee on Delegated Legislation the draft Sexual Offences Act 2003 (Travel Notification Requirements) Regulations 2004. |
Minutes of Proceedings of the Committee to lie upon the Table.
| 2 | Second Standing Committee on Delegated Legislation,—Mr Jimmy Hood reported from the Second Standing Committee on Delegated Legislation the draft Criminal Justice Act 1988 (Offensive Weapons) (Amendment) Order 2004. |
Minutes of Proceedings of the Committee to lie upon the Table.
| 3 | European Standing Committee A,—Mr Peter Pike reported from European Standing Committee A the following Resolution: |
That the Committee takes note of European Union Documents No. 7969/01 and ADD1, Report from the Commission and draft Regulation on the ventilation in road vehicles carrying livestock on long journeys, and No. 11794/03, Commission Communication and draft Regulation on the protection of animals during transport and related operations and amending Directives 64/432/EEC and 93/119/EEC; and supports the Government's objectives of seeking a significant improvement in animal welfare during transport and better enforcement of those rules throughout the European Union.
Report, together with Resolution, to lie upon the Table.
| 4 | Finance Bill,—The Order of the day being read, for the Second Reading of the Finance Bill; |
And a Motion being made, and the Question being proposed, That the Bill be now read a second time;
An Amendment was proposed to the Question, to leave out from the word ‘That' to the end of the Question and add the words ‘this House declines to give a Second Reading to the Finance Bill because the provisions contained in its 574 pages increase the burden and complexity of taxation, particularly on small owner-managed businesses; do nothing to increase the savings rate or improve United Kingdom productivity; and will lead to a further decline in the competitiveness and relative attractiveness of the United Kingdom as a location for investment', instead thereof.—(Mr Howard Flight.)
And the Question being put, That the Amendment be made;
The House divided.
Tellers for the Ayes, Mr Geoffrey Clifton-Brown, Mr David Ruffley: 190.
Tellers for the Noes, Mr Vernon Coaker, Mr John Heppell: 301.
So the Question was negatived.
And the Main Question being put forthwith, pursuant to Standing Order No. 62 (Amendment on second or third reading):—It was agreed to.
The Bill was accordingly read a second time.
Ordered, That—
(1) Clauses Nos. 4, 5, 20, 28, 57 to 77, 86, 111 and 282 to 289 and Schedules Nos. 1, 3, 11, 12, 21 and 37 to 39 shall be committed to a Committee of the whole House;
(2) the remainder of the Bill shall be committed to a Standing Committee;
(3) when the provisions of the Bill considered, respectively, by the Committee of the whole House and by the Standing Committee have been reported to the House, the Bill shall be proceeded with as if it had been reported as a whole to the House from the Standing Committee.—(Dawn Primarolo.)
Committee to-morrow.
| 5 | Finance Bill,—Ordered, That, during proceedings on the Finance Bill, the Standing Committee on the Bill shall have leave to sit twice on the first day on which it shall meet.—(Mr Jim Murphy.) |
| 6 | Public Petitions,—A Public Petition from readers of the Wales on Sunday newspaper for a posthumous knighthood for the footballer John Charles was presented and read; and ordered to lie upon the Table and to be printed. |
| 7 | Adjournment,—Resolved, That this House do now adjourn.—(Mr Jim Murphy.) |
And accordingly the House, having continued to sit till half-past Eight o'clock, adjourned till to-morrow.
[Adjourned at 8.30 p.m.
Page 272 Tuesday 20th April 2004 2003-2004 Volume 260 Back to top
APPENDIX I
Papers presented or laid upon the Table:
Papers subject to Affirmative Resolution:
| 1 | Northern Ireland,—Northern Ireland Act 1998 and Northern Ireland Act 2000 (Modification) Order 2004 (S.I., 2004, No. 1164), dated 20th April 2004 [by Act]; with an Explanatory Memorandum [by Command] [Mr Secretary Murphy]. |
Other Papers:
| 2 | College Charter,—Draft Charter of a new University of Manchester to be created by the merger of the Victoria University of Manchester and the University of Manchester Institute of Science and Technology, together with a petition to Her Majesty The Queen for the creation of the University [by Act] [Mr David Lammy]. |
| 3 | European Union,—Paper, entitled Prospects for the EU in 2004 [by Command] [Cm. 6174] [Mr Secretary Straw]. |
| 4 | Industrial Organisation and Development,—Report and Accounts of the British Potato Council for 2002–03 [by Act] [Secretary Margaret Beckett]. |
| 5 | Northern Ireland (Monitoring Commission etc.),—First Report of the Independent Monitoring Commission [by Act]; to be printed [No. 516] [Mr Secretary Murphy]. |
| 6 | Public Petitions,—Observations by the Deputy Prime Minister on the Petition [24th March] from customers of the Quiggins Centre in Liverpool against the closure of the Centre in order to redevelop its site [by Standing Order]; to be printed [Clerk of the House]. |
| 7 | Social Security Administration (Northern Ireland),—Accounts of the Northern Ireland National Insurance Fund— |
(1) for 2000–01, and
(2) for 2001–02
with the Reports of the Comptroller and Auditor General thereon [by Act]; to be printed [Nos. 524 and 525] [Clerk of the House].
APPENDIX II
Standing Committees
| 1 | Draft Criminal Justice Act 1988 (Offensive Weapons) (Amendment) Order 2004,—The Committee of Selection has discharged Mr Barry Gardiner from the Second Standing Committee on Delegated Legislation (nominated in respect of the draft Order) and nominated in substitution Ms Dari Taylor. |
| 2 | Value Added Tax (Buildings and Land) Order 2004 (S.I., 2004, No. 778),—The Committee of Selection has discharged Mr John Burnett from the Fifth Standing Committee on Delegated Legislation (nominated in respect of the Order) and nominated in substitution Dr Vincent Cable. |
| 3 | Draft European Parliamentary Elections (Northern Ireland) Regulations 2004,—The Speaker has allocated the draft Regulations to the Seventh Standing Committee on Delegated Legislation and has appointed Mr Mike Hancock Chairman. |
Grand Committees
| 4 | Northern Ireland Grand Committee,—The Committee of Selection has discharged Mr Geoffrey Clifton-Brown from the Northern Ireland Grand Committee and nominated in substitution Mr Desmond Swayne. |
European Standing Committees
| 5 | The Speaker has appointed Mr Roger Gale as an additional Chairman of European Standing Committee A in respect of European Union Documents Nos. 7969/01 and 11794/03 on Protection of Animals During Transport. |
APPENDIX III
Reports from Select Committees
| 1 | Culture, Media and Sport,—Minutes of Evidence taken before the Culture, Media and Sport Committee [Drugs and role models in sport]; to be printed [No. 499] [Mr Gerald Kaufman]. |
| 2 | Defence,—Minutes of Evidence taken before the Defence Committee [Defence White Paper: Delivering Security in a Changing World] to be printed [No. 465-iii] [Bruce George]. |
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| 3 | Environment, Food and Rural Affairs,—Minutes of Evidence taken before the Sites of Special Scientific Interest Sub-Committee of the Environment, Food and Rural Affairs Committee [Sites of Special Scientific Interest]; to be printed [No. 475-ii] [Mr Michael Jack]. |
| 4 | European Scrutiny,—Minutes of Evidence taken before the European Scrutiny Committee [The Lisbon Strategy]; to be printed [No. 528-i] [Mr Jimmy Hood]. |
| 5 | Home Affairs,—Minutes of Evidence taken before the Home Affairs Committee [Identity Cards] to be printed [No. 130-v] [Mr John Denham]. |
| 6 | Human Rights,—(1) Eleventh Report from the Joint Committee on Human Rights [Commission for Equality and Human Rights: Structure, Function and Powers]; together with Appendices; to be printed, with the Minutes of Proceedings of the Committee relating to the Report [No. 536]; and |
(2) Minutes of Evidence taken before the Committee [The Children Bill]; to be printed [No. 537-i]
[Jean Corston].
| 7 | International Development,—Minutes of Evidence taken before the International Development Committee [Migration and Development] to be printed [No. 79-x] [Tony Baldry]. |
| 8 | Statutory Instruments,—Fifteenth Report from the Joint Committee on Statutory Instruments, together with Memoranda laid before the Committee; to be printed [No. 82-xv] [Mr David Tredinnick]. |
| 9 | Trade and Industry,—Minutes of Evidence taken before the Trade and Industry Committee [The work of the Export Credits Guarantee Department]; to be printed [Nos. 506-ii and -iii] [Mr Martin O'Neill]. |
[No. 70; WH, No. 42]
Tuesday 20th April 2004.
The House sitting in Westminster Hall
The sitting commenced at half-past Nine o'clock.
| Adjournment,—A Motion was made, and the Question being proposed, That the sitting be now adjourned—(Derek Twigg); |
And the sitting having continued for two and a half hours after Two o'clock, it was adjourned without Question put, till to-morrow.
[Adjourned at 4.30 p.m.
[No. 71.] Wednesday 21st April 2004.
The House met at half-past Eleven o'clock PRAYERS.
| 1 | Mr Peter Pike reported from the Third Standing Committee on Delegated Legislation the draft Merchant Shipping (Convention on Limitation of Liability for Maritime Claims) (Amendment) Order 2004. |
Minutes of Proceedings of the Committee to lie upon the Table.
| 2 | David Taylor reported from European Standing Committee B the following Resolution: |
That the Committee takes note of European Union Document No. 10243/03, Commission Communication: Towards more accessible, equitable and managed asylum systems; welcomes the Commission's endorsement of the United Kingdom's analysis of the problem; and notes that this is only an interim discussion paper pending the submission by the Commission of a more substantive report by June 2004.
Report, together with Resolution, to lie upon the Table.
| 3 | Sustainable Communities Bill,—The Order for reading the Sustainable Communities Bill a second time on Friday 23rd April was read and discharged. |
Bill to be read a second time on Friday 18th June.
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| 4 | Fireworks (Amendment),—Ordered, That leave be given to bring in a Bill to amend the Fireworks Act 2003: And that Mr George Howarth, Janet Anderson, Mr Joe Benton, Sir Sydney Chapman, Mrs Claire Curtis-Thomas, Mr Elfyn Llwyd, Mr Alan Meale, Dr Lewis Moonie, Mr Edward O'Hara, Dr John Pugh, Mr Bill Tynan and Sir Nicholas Winterton do prepare and bring it in. |
| 5 | Fireworks (Amendment) Bill,—Mr George Howarth accordingly presented a Bill to amend the Fireworks Act 2003: And the same was read the first time; and ordered to be read a second time on Friday 18th June and to be printed [Bill 91]. |
| 6 | Opposition Day [9th allotted day],—It being an allotted day at the disposal of the Leader of the Opposition in pursuance of Standing Order No. 14 (Arrangement of public business), the House proceeded to consider Opposition business. |
Doctors' Hours in the NHS,—A Motion was made, and the Question being proposed, That this House notes the forthcoming implementation of the European Working Time Directive (EWTD) in relation to junior hospital doctors; further notes the changes to General Practitioner out-of-hours services following the implementation of the new GP contract; is concerned by the British Medical Association's estimate that, from August 2004, the EWTD requirements could lose the NHS the equivalent of 3,700 junior doctors; is alarmed by the failure of Ministers to quantify adequately the likely demands of the EWTD in medical manpower and money costs; is further alarmed by the Government's complacency over the ‘SIMAP/Jaeger' judgements made by the European Court of Justice and the disproportionate impact they will have on smaller hospitals; notes that cost estimates for GP out-of-hours cover are rising yet the extent of cover is likely to decline; deplores the failure by Ministers to anticipate the impact that the new GP contract will have on community hospitals and notes with alarm that several are already under threat; and wishes to see the implementation of out-of-hours cover in a form that maintains a GP-led service in which the high standards of care and accessibility traditionally associated with primary care in England are maintained—(Mr Andrew Lansley);
An Amendment was proposed to the Question, in line 2, to leave out from the word ‘House' to the end of the Question and add the words ‘welcomes the overall aims of the European Working Time Directive (EWTD) to ensure humane working hours for doctors in training; further welcomes the Government's lobbying of the European Commission and other EU Member States which has resulted in the Commission's giving assurances that they will bring forward legislative proposals on the EWTD before the summer; notes the dramatic reduction in the hours of doctors in training which means that 95 per cent. of them now work for 56 hours or fewer; congratulates the Goverment on the increases in workforce numbers and medical school places, which mean there are now almost 7,000 more consultants and 55,000 more nurses than there were in 1997, and that 6,030 students entered medical school in England in autumn 2003; welcomes the work being done in the National Health Service in implementing new ways of working that contribute to modernising and improving services and meeting the obligations of the Directive; and joins the Chairman of the BMA's General Practititioners Committee in welcoming the new GP contract as being “better for patients and better for everyone working in general practice” and notes that it will allow primary care trusts to offer patients a safe, high quality service, with care delivered by the most appropriate professional, through better use of more joined-up services', instead thereof.—(Mr John Hutton.)
And the Question being put, That the original words stand part of the Question;
The House divided.
Tellers for the Ayes, Gregory Barker, Mr Peter Atkinson: 197.
Tellers for the Noes, Bridget Prentice, Charlotte Atkins: 303.
So the Question was negatived.
And the Question, That the proposed words be there added, being put forthwith, pursuant to Standing Order No. 31 (Questions on amendments):—It was agreed to.
The Deputy Speaker forthwith declared the Main Question, as amended, to be agreed to.
Resolved, That this House welcomes the overall aims of the European Working Time Directive (EWTD) to ensure humane working hours for doctors in training; further welcomes the Government's lobbying of the European Commission and other EU Member States which has resulted in the Commission's giving assurances that they will bring forward legislative proposals on the EWTD before the summer; notes the dramatic reduction in the hours of doctors in training which means that 95 per cent. of them now work for 56 hours or fewer; congratulates the Goverment on the increases in workforce numbers and medical school places, which mean there are now almost 7,000 more consultants and 55,000 more nurses than there were in 1997, and that 6,030 students entered medical school in England in autumn 2003; welcomes the work being done in the
Page 275 Wednesday 21st April 2004 2003-2004 Volume 260 Back to top
National Health Service in implementing new ways of working that contribute to modernising and improving services and meeting the obligations of the Directive; and joins the Chairman of the BMA's General Practititioners Committee in welcoming the new GP contract as being ‘better for patients and better for everyone working in general practice' and notes that it will allow primary care trusts to offer patients a safe, high quality service, with care delivered by the most appropriate professional, through better use of more joined-up services.
London,—A Motion was made, and the Question being proposed, That this House takes pride in London's heritage and status as a leading global capital city; notes that its outstanding success over many centuries has depended upon its rich mix of people, innovation and energy; further notes that it is an international leader in financial services, the arts, media, higher education, medicine and scientific research and tourism; regrets that this enviable competitive advantage is now threatened by the diminution in the quality of life of Londoners and those who come to work in the capital; recognises that insecurity brought about by the threat of terrorist action and rising levels of crime and anti-social behaviour, failing public services, overcrowded and unreliable transport, alongside an ever increasing tax burden on all Londoners, will undermine the capital's global reputation as a great place to live and do business; and calls upon the Government and its Mayoral candidate, Ken Livingstone, to address the needs of the people of London and improve the quality and choice of services in the capital—(Mr Mark Field);
An Amendment was proposed to the Question, in line 5, to leave out from the word ‘tourism' to the end of the Question and add the words ‘welcomes the Government's commitment to London's continuing economic, social and cultural success, and to enhancing its status as a world class city; applauds London's high levels of productivity and success in attracting inward investment that benefits the whole of the UK; recognises that this success is backed by record levels of funding from this Government for education, health, the arts, culture, creative industries, crime prevention, transport and other key public services that have resulted in substantially higher employment, substantially lower unemployment, record police numbers including more community support officers and police on the beat, massive increases in bus services and people using them, with an extra 100 million bus trips and an extra 180 million Tube journeys taken a year; applauds the leadership of the Mayor of London, working in partnership with the Government in the key areas of transport, planning, economic development and policing; praises the work of the police and security services in remaining vigilant to keep the capital safe; and condemns outright Opposition attempts to talk down and undermine the continued success of our great capital city', instead thereof.—(Keith Hill.)
And the Question being proposed, That the original words stand part of the Question;
Mr Patrick McLoughlin rose in his place and claimed to move, That the Question be now put.
And the Question being put, That the Question be now put:—It was agreed to.
And the Question being accordingly put;
The House divided.
Tellers for the Ayes, Gregory Barker, Mr Peter Atkinson: 143.
Tellers for the Noes, Jim Fitzpatrick, Paul Clark: 308.
So the Question was negatived.
And the Question, That the proposed words be there added, being put forthwith, pursuant to Standing Order No. 31 (Questions on amendments);
The House divided.
Tellers for the Ayes, Paul Clark, Jim Fitzpatrick: 302.
Tellers for the Noes, Gregory Barker, Mr Peter Atkinson: 169.
So the Question was agreed to.
And the Main Question, as amended, being put;
Resolved, That this House takes pride in London's heritage and status as a leading global capital city; notes that its outstanding success over many centuries has depended upon its rich mix of people, innovation and energy; further notes that it is an international leader in financial services, the arts, media, higher education, medicine and scientific research and tourism; welcomes the Government's commitment to London's continuing economic, social and cultural success, and to enhancing its status as a world class city; applauds London's high levels of productivity and success in attracting inward investment that benefits the whole of the UK; recognises that this success is backed by record levels of funding from this Government for education, health, the arts, culture, creative industries, crime prevention, transport and other key public services that have resulted in substantially higher employment, substantially lower unemployment, record police numbers including more community support officers and police on the beat, massive increases in bus services and people using them, with an extra 100 million bus trips and an extra 180 million Tube journeys taken a year; applauds the leadership of
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the Mayor of London, working in partnership with the Government in the key areas of transport, planning, economic development and policing; praises the work of the police and security services in remaining vigilant to keep the capital safe; and condemns outright Opposition attempts to talk down and undermine the continued success of our great capital city.
| 7 | Deferred Divisions,—A Motion was made, and the Question being put forthwith, pursuant to Orders [28th June 2001 and 6th November 2003 (Deferred divisions)], That at this day's sitting, the Orders of the House of 28th June 2001 and 6th November 2003 relating to deferred Divisions shall not apply to the Motion in the name of Mr Ben Bradshaw relating to Protection of Animals during Transport—(Mr Jim Murphy):—It was agreed to. |
| 8 | Protection of Animals during Transport,—A Motion was made, and the Question being put forthwith, pursuant to Standing Order No. 119 (European Standing Committees), That this House takes note of European Documents No. 7969/01 and ADD1, Report from the Commission and draft Regulation on the ventilation in road vehicles, carrying livestock on long journeys and No. 11794/03, Commission Communications and draft Regulation on the protection of animals during transport and related operations and amending Directives 64/432/EEC and 93/119/EEC; and supports the Government's objectives of seeking a significant improvement in animal welfare during transport and better enforcement of those rules throughout the European Union—(Mr Jim Murphy):—It was agreed to. |
| 9 | Adjournment,—Resolved, That this House do now adjourn.—(Mr Jim Murphy.) |
And accordingly the House, having continued to sit till four minutes to Eight o'clock, adjourned till to-morrow.
[Adjourned at 7.56 p.m.
APPENDIX I
Papers presented or laid upon the Table:
Papers subject to Affirmative Resolution:
| 1 | European Communities,—Draft European Communities (Definition of Treaties) (Agreement on the Participation of the Czech Republic, the Republic of Estonia, the Republic of Cyprus, the Republic of Latvia, the Republic of Lithuania, the Republic of Hungary, the Republic of Malta, the Republic of Poland, the Republic of Slovenia and the Slovak Republic in the European Economic Area) Order 2004 [by Act], with an Explanatory Memorandum [by Command] [Mr Secretary Straw]. |
Papers subject to Negative Resolution:
| 2 | Electronic Communications,—Electronic Commerce (EC Directive) (Extension) Regulations 2004 (S.I., 2004, No. 1178), dated 19th April 2004 [by Act] [Ms Secretary Hewitt]. |
| 3 | Pesticides,—Plant Protection Products (Fees) (Amendment) Regulations 2004 (S.I., 2004, No. 1159), dated 17th April 2004 [by Act] [Secretary Margaret Beckett]. |
| 4 | Plant Health,—Potatoes Originating in Egypt (England) Regulations 2004 (S.I., 2004, No. 1165), dated 19th April 2004 [by Act] [Secretary Margaret Beckett]. |
| 5 | Social Security,—Social Security (Miscellaneous Amendments) (No. 2) Regulations 2004 (S.I., 2004, No. 1141), dated 14th April 2004 [by Act] [Mr Secretary Smith]. |
Other Papers:
| 6 | Public Petitions,—Observations by the Secretary of State for Health on the Petitions [31st March] from citizens of the United Kingdom against the supply to school children of abortifacient birth control drugs and devices [two Petitions] [by Standing Order]; to be printed [Clerk of the House]. |
Papers withdrawn:
| 7 | International Immunities and Privileges,—Draft Preparatory Commission for the Comprehensive Nuclear-Test-Ban Treaty Organization (Immunities and Privileges) Order 2004 [laid 4th March]. |
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APPENDIX II
Standing Committees
| 1 | Draft Competition Act 1998 and Other Enactments (Amendment) Regulations 2004, the draft Competition Act 1998 (Determination of Turnover for Penalties) (Amendment) Order 2004, and the draft Competition Act 1998 (Land Agreements Exclusion and Revocation) Order 2004: |
(1) The Speaker has allocated the draft Orders to the First Standing Committee on Delegated Legislation, and has appointed Derek Conway Chairman; and
(2) the Committee of Selection has nominated sixteen Members to serve on the Committee: Charlotte Atkins, Mr Peter Atkinson, Mr Henry Bellingham, Mr Bob Blizzard, Virginia Bottomley, Malcolm Bruce, Brian Cotter, Mr Hilton Dawson, Dr Hywel Francis, Lynne Jones, Mr Terry Lewis, Mr Peter Lilley, Mr Tony McWalter, Mr John Smith, Ian Stewart and Mr Gerry Sutcliffe.
| 2 | Draft Non-Domestic Rating (Chargeable Amounts) (Amendment) (England) Regulations 2004: |
(1) The Speaker has allocated the draft Regulations to the Second Standing Committee on Delegated Legislation, and has appointed Mr Eric Illsley Chairman; and
(2) the Committee of Selection has nominated sixteen Members to serve on the Committee: Paul Clark, Mr Edward Davey, Linda Gilroy, Mr Philip Hammond, Mr Doug Henderson, Phil Hope, Helen Jones, John Mann, Mr John Maples, Mr Archie Norman, Mr Malcolm Savidge, Jim Sheridan, Mr Gerry Steinberg, Mr Hugo Swire, Derek Wyatt and Richard Younger-Ross.
| 3 | Draft Accession (Immigration and Worker Registration) Regulations 2004: |
(1) The Speaker has allocated the draft Regulations to the Third Standing Committee on Delegated Legislation, and has appointed David Taylor Chairman; and
(2) the Committee of Selection has nominated Sixteen Members to serve on the Committee: Mr Desmond Browne, Mr Geoffrey Clifton-Brown, Mr John Grogan, Mr David Heath, Mr John Heppell, Mr George Howarth, Mr Humfrey Malins, Mr Peter Mandelson, Mr Jim Marshall, Kali Mountford, Mr John Redwood, Bob Russell, Mrs Gillian Shephard, Joan Walley, Dr Alan Whitehead and Mr Shaun Woodward.
| 4 | Draft Merchant Shipping (Convention on Limitation of Liability for Maritime Claims) (Amendment) Order 2004,—The Committee of Selection has discharged Dr Hywel Francis, Mr Tony McWalter and John Thurso from the Third Standing Committee on Delegated Legislation (nominated in respect of the draft Order) and nominated in substitution Ross Cranston, Matthew Green and Mr David Kidney. |
| 5 | Draft Preparatory Commission for the Comprehensive Nuclear-Test-Ban Treaty Organization (Immunities and Privileges) Order 2004: |
(1) The Speaker has allocated the draft Order to the Fourth Standing Committee on Delegated Legislation, and has appointed Miss Anne Begg Chairman; and
(2) the Committee of Selection has nominated sixteen Members to serve on the Committee: Mr Colin Breed, Roger Casale, Mr Brian H. Donohoe, Angela Eagle, Jeff Ennis, Mr John Maples, Mr Michael Moore, Mr Jim Murphy, Mr Gordon Prentice, Mr Bill Rammell, Hugh Robertson, Mr Ernie Ross, Andrew Selous, Mr Gary Streeter, Mr Brian Wilson and Tony Worthington.
| 6 | Limitation of Council Tax and Precepts (Alternative Notional Amounts) Report (England) 2004/05,—The Committee of Selection has discharged Mr David Cameron from the Fourth Standing Committee on Delegated Legislation (nominated in respect of the Report) and nominated in substitution Mr Philip Hammond. |
| 7 | Naval Discipline Act 1957 (Remedial) Order 2004 (S.I., 2004, No. 66) and the draft Army, Air Force and Naval Discipline Acts (Continuation) Order 2004: |
(1) The Speaker has allocated the Orders to the Fifth Standing Committee on Delegated Legislation, and has appointed Mr Alan Hurst Chairman; and
(2) the Committee of Selection has nominated sixteen Members to serve on the Committee: John Austin, Mr Colin Breed, Mr Ivor Caplin, Mr George Foulkes, Stephen Hesford, Mr Paul Keetch, Andy King, Dr Julian Lewis, Mr Ian Liddell-Grainger, Alice Mahon, Syd Rapson, Hugh Robertson, Joan Ryan, Jon Trickett, Mr Peter Viggers and Mrs Betty Williams.
| 8 | Value Added Tax (Buildings and Land) Order 2004 (S.I., 2004, No. 778),—The Committee of Selection has discharged Ross Cranston, Mr Paul Truswell and Mr Tom Watson from the Fifth Standing Committee on Delegated Legislation (nominated in respect of the Order) and nominated in substitution Shona McIsaac, Meg Munn and Ms Gisela Stuart. |
| 9 | Draft European Parliamentary Elections (Northern Ireland) Regulations 2004,—The Committee of Selection has nominated sixteen Members to serve on the Seventh
|
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Standing Committee on Delegated Legislation in respect of the draft Regulations: Mr Richard Allan, Mr Richard Bacon, Mr Adrian Bailey, Chris Bryant, Mr Ian Cawsey, Mr Vernon Coaker, Mr Stephen Dorrell, Jim Dowd, Julia Drown, Lady Hermon, Judy Mallaber, Jonathan Shaw, Mr John Spellar, Mr Desmond Swayne, Mr Hugo Swire and Paddy Tipping. |
| 10 | Customs and Excise Duties (Travellers' Allowances and Personal Reliefs) (New Member States) Order 2004 (S.I., 2004, No. 1002): |
(1) The Speaker has allocated the draft Order to the Eighth Standing Committee on Delegated Legislation, and has appointed Mr Nigel Beard Chairman; and
(2) the Committee of Selection has nominated sixteen Members to serve on the Committee: Mr Peter Atkinson, Jon Cruddas, Denzil Davies, Mrs Louise Ellman, Jim Fitzpatrick, John Healey, Mr Michael Jack, Mr Brian Jenkins, Norman Lamb, Mr David Laws, Mr Alan Milburn, Mr Mark Prisk, Mr Richard Shepherd, Geraldine Smith, Helen Southworth and Keith Vaz.
APPENDIX III
Reports from Select Committees
| 1 | Defence, International Development and Trade and Industry,—Part of Minutes of Evidence taken before the Defence, International Development and Trade and Industry Committees [Strategic Export Controls]; to be printed [No. 390-ii] [Mr Roger Berry]. |
| 2 | Education and Skills,—Minutes of Evidence taken before the Education and Skills Committee [National Skills Strategy: 14–19 Education]; to be printed [No. 197-ix] [Mr Barry Sheerman]. |
| 3 | Environment, Food and Rural Affairs,—(1) Seventh Special Report from the Environment, Food and Rural Affairs Committee [Government's Reply to the Third Report from the Committee, Session 2003–04, on Caught in the net: by-catch of dolphins and porpoises off the UK coast]; to be printed [No. 540]; and |
(2) Memorandum laid before the Committee [Managing radioactive waste safely]
[Mr Michael Jack].
| 4 | European Scrutiny,—Seventeenth Report from the European Scrutiny Committee; to be printed, with the Minutes of Proceedings of the Committee relating to the Report [No. 42-xvii] [Mr Jim Marshall]. |
| 5 | Northern Ireland Affairs,—Minutes of Evidence taken before the Northern Ireland Affairs Committee [Hate Crime in Northern Ireland]; to be printed [No. 539-i] [Mr Michael Mates]. |
| 6 | Procedure,—Minutes of Evidence taken before the Procedure Committee [Programming of Legislation]; to be printed [No. 325-v] [Sir Nicholas Winterton]. |
| 7 | Public Accounts,—Minutes of Evidence taken before the Committee of Public Accounts [Improving Procurement: Progress by the Office of Government Commerce in improving departments' capability to procure cost-effectively]; to be printed [No. 541-i] [Mr Edward Leigh]. |
| 8 | Science and Technology,—(1) Third Special Report from the Science and Technology Committee [Government Response to the Committee's Third Report, Session 2003–04, [The Work of the Biotechnology and Biological Sciences Research Council]; to be printed [No. 526]; and |
(2) Minutes of Evidence taken before the Committee [Scientific Publications]; to be printed [No. 399-iii]
[Dr Ian Gibson].
| 9 | Treasury,—Minutes of Evidence taken before the Sub-Committee of the Treasury Committee [The Administrative Costs of Tax Compliance]; to be printed [No. 269-v] [Mr John McFall]. |
| 10 | Welsh Affairs,—Minutes of Evidence taken before the Welsh Affairs Committee [Manufacturing and Trade in Wales]; to be printed [No. 323-vi] [Mr Martyn Jones]. |
| 11 | Work and Pensions,—(1) Minutes of Evidence taken before the Work and Pensions Committee [Health and Safety]; to be printed [No. 456-iii]; and |
(2) Memoranda laid before the Committee [Miscellaneous]
[Sir Archy Kirkwood].
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[No. 71; WH, No. 43]
Wednesday 21st April 2004.
The House sitting in Westminster Hall
The sitting commenced at half-past Nine o'clock.
| Adjournment,—Resolved, That the sitting be now adjourned.—(Gillian Merron.) |
And accordingly the sitting was adjourned till to-morrow.
[Adjourned at 4.42 p.m.
[No. 72.] Thursday 22nd April 2004.
The House met at half-past Eleven o'clock PRAYERS.
| 1 | London Local Authorities Bill [Lords],—The House proceeded to consider the Lords Reason for disagreeing to the Commons Amendment to the London Local Authorities Bill [Lords], in page 3, line 14, after the word ‘displayed' to insert the words ‘on the date on which it is proposed that the vehicle should be disposed of'. |
Resolved, That this House does not insist on its Amendment to which the Lords have disagreed.—(Siobhain McDonagh.)
| 2 | Fourth Standing Committee on Delegated Legislation,—Janet Anderson reported from the Fourth Standing Committee on Delegated Legislation the Limitation of Council Tax and Precepts (Alternative Notional Amounts) Report (England) 2004–05. |
Minutes of Proceedings of the Committee to lie upon the Table.
| 3 | Fifth Standing Committee on Delegated Legislation,—Mr Joe Benton reported from the Fifth Standing Committee on Delegated Legislation the Value Added Tax (Buildings and Land) Order 2004 (S.I., 2004, No. 778). |
Minutes of Proceedings of the Committee to lie upon the Table.
| 4 | Seventh Standing Committee on Delegated Legislation,—Mr Mike Hancock reported from the Seventh Standing Committee on Delegated Legislation the draft European Parliamentary Elections (Northern Ireland) Regulations 2004. |
Minutes of Proceedings of the Committee to lie upon the Table.
| 5 | Message from the Lords,—A Message was brought from the Lords, as follows: |
Energy Bill [Lords],—The Lords have passed a Bill to make provision for the decommissioning and cleaning up of installations and sites used for, or contaminated by, nuclear activities; to make provision relating to the civil nuclear industry; to make provision about radioactive waste; to make provision for the development, regulation and encouragement of the use of renewable energy sources; to make further provision in connection with the regulation of the gas and electricity industries; to make provision for the imposition of charges in connection with the carrying out of the Secretary of State's functions relating to energy matters; to make provision for giving effect to international agreements relating to pipelines and offshore installations; and for connected purposes; to which the Lords desire the concurrence of this House.
| 6 | Energy Bill [Lords],—The Energy Bill [Lords] was read the first time; and ordered to be read a second time to-morrow and to be printed [Bill 93]. |
Ordered, That the Explanatory Notes relating to the Energy Bill [Lords] be printed [Bill 93–EN].
| 7 | Performance of Companies and Government Departments (Reporting) Bill,—The Order for resuming on Friday 30th April the adjourned Debate on the Question proposed on 30th January, That the Performance of Companies and Government Departments (Reporting) Bill be read a second time, was read and discharged. |
Debate to be resumed on Friday 16th July.
| 8 | Illegal Hare-Coursing (Enforcement of Prohibition) Bill,—The Order for reading the Illegal Hare-Coursing (Enforcement of Prohibition) Bill a second time on Friday 23rd April was read and discharged. |
Bill to be read a second time on Friday 21st May.
| 9 | Age-Related Payments Bill,—Mr Secretary Smith, supported by the Prime Minister, Mr Secretary Prescott, Mr Chancellor of the Exchequer, Mr Secretary Blunkett, Mr Secretary Darling, Mr Secretary Murphy, Mr Peter Hain and Malcolm Wicks, presented (under Standing Order No. 50 (Procedure upon bills whose main object is to
|
Page 280 Thursday 22nd April 2004 2003-2004 Volume 260 Back to top | |
create a charge upon the public revenue)) a Bill to make provisions for payments by the Secretary of State to persons over the age of 70; and to enable provision to be made for payments by the Secretary of State to persons over the age of 60: And the same was read the first time; and ordered to be read a second time to-morrow and to be printed [Bill 92]. |
Ordered, That the Explanatory Notes relating to the Age-Related Payments Bill be printed [Bill 92–EN].
| 10 | Motions to sit in private,—Mr Gerald Howarth moved, That the House sit in private. |
The Speaker put the Question forthwith, pursuant to Standing Order No. 163 (Motions to sit in private).
The House divided.
Tellers for the Ayes, Mr Eric Forth, Mr Gerald Howarth: 15.
Tellers for the Noes, Paul Clark, Charlotte Atkins: 211.
So the Question was negatived.
| 11 | Security Screen,—A Motion was made, and the Question being proposed, That this House approves the installation of a permanent security screen between the Chamber and the Strangers' Gallery—(Mr Peter Hain); |
An Amendment was proposed to the Question, in line 2, to leave out the word ‘approves' and insert the words ‘declines to approve', instead thereof.—(Mr Paul Tyler.)
And the Question being proposed, That the Amendment be made;
Derek Conway rose in his place and claimed to move, That the Question be now put.
And the Question being put, That the Question be now put;
The House divided.
Tellers for the Ayes, Mr Jim Murphy, Jim Fitzpatrick: 120.
Tellers for the Noes, Mr Andrew Mackay, Mr Edward Leigh: 66.
So the Question was agreed to.
And the Question being accordingly put, That the Amendment be made;
The House divided.
Tellers for the Ayes, Richard Younger-Ross, Alan Simpson: 92.
Tellers for the Noes, Paul Clark, Charlotte Atkins: 99.
So the Question was negatived.
And the Main Question being put;
The House divided.
Tellers for the Ayes, Charlotte Atkins, Paul Clark: 112.
Tellers for the Noes, Richard Younger-Ross, Alan Simpson: 76.
So the Question was agreed to.
Resolved, That this House approves the installation of a permanent security screen between the Chamber and the Strangers' Gallery.
| 12 | Visitor Facilities,—A Motion was made, and the Question being proposed, That this House approves the First Joint Report of the Accommodation and Works Committee and the Administration Committee on Visitor Facilities: Access to Parliament (House of Commons Paper No. 324) and endorses the Committee's proposals for a new reception and security building at the north end of Cromwell Green—(Mr Phil Woolas); |
And it being Six o'clock, the Debate stood adjourned.
Debate to be resumed to-morrow.
| 13 | Public Petitions,—A Public Petition from Colin Fairrie and others for rectification of faulty construction work to a small terraced house in the conservation area in St Albans was presented and read; and ordered to lie upon the Table and to be printed. |
| 14 | Adjournment,—Resolved, That this House do now adjourn.—(Margaret Moran.) |
And accordingly the House, having continued to sit till twenty-four minutes past Six o'clock, adjourned till to-morrow.
[Adjourned at 6.24 p.m.
Page 281 Thursday 22nd April 2004 2003-2004 Volume 260 Back to top
APPENDIX I
Papers presented or laid upon the Table:
Papers subject to Affirmative Resolution:
| 1 | Human Rights,—Draft Human Rights Act 1998 (Amendment) Order 2004 [by Act], with an Explanatory Memorandum [by Command] [Mr David Lammy]. |
Papers subject to Negative Resolution:
| 2 | Electricity,—Electricity (Exemption from the Requirement for a Generation Licence) Order 2004 (S.I., 2004, No. 1179), dated 19th April 2004 [by Act] [Ms Secretary Hewitt]. |
Other Papers:
| 3 | European Community Finances,—Statement on the 2004 EC Budget and measures to counter fraud and financial mismanagement [by Command] [Cm. 6134] [Ruth Kelly]. |
| 4 | Government Trading Funds,—Treasury Minute, dated 22nd April 2004, on the Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency Trading Fund [by Act] [Mr Paul Boateng]. |
| 5 | Treaty Series (No. 18, 2004),—Treaty, done at Le Touquet on 4th February 2003, between the Government of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland and the Government of the French Republic concerning the Implementation of Frontier Controls at the Sea Ports of both Countries on the Channel and North Sea [by Command] [Cm. 6172] [Mr Secretary Straw]. |
APPENDIX II
Standing Committees
| 1 | Gangmasters (Licensing) Bill,—The Speaker has appointed Mr Eric Illsley Chairman of Standing Committee C in place of Derek Conway in respect of the Bill. |
| 2 | Draft Cash Ratio Deposits (Value Bands and Ratios) Order 2004,—The Speaker has appointed Mr Bill Olner Chairman of the Sixth Standing Committee on Delegated Legislation in respect of the draft Order. |
Grand Committees
| 3 | The Speaker has appointed Mrs Marion Roe Chairman of the Northern Ireland Grand Committee in respect of its meeting on Thursday 29th April. |
European Standing Committees
| 4 | The Speaker has appointed Mrs Irene Adams Chairman of European Standing Committee C in respect of European Union Document No. 15494/03 on Disposal of Batteries and Accumulators. |
| 5 | The Speaker has appointed Mr Eric Forth Chairman of European Standing Committee C in respect of European Union Document No. 5916/04 on Marketing of Sweet Corn from Genetically Modified Maize. |
APPENDIX III
Reports from Select Committees
| 1 | Culture, Media and Sport,—Minutes of Evidence taken before the Culture, Media and Sport Committee on 30th March [Drugs and role models in sport]; to be printed [No. 499-i] [Mr Gerald Kaufman]. |
| 2 | Environmental Audit,—Minutes of Evidence taken before the Environmental Crime Sub-Committee [Environmental Crime: Fly-tipping, Fly-Posting, Litter, Graffiti and Noise]; to be printed [No. 445-iii] [Mr Peter Ainsworth]. |
| 3 | Health,—Minutes of Evidence taken before the Health Committee [Palliative Care]; to be printed [No. 454-ii] [Mr David Hinchliffe]. |
| 4 | Scottish Affairs Committee,—Third Report from the Scottish Affairs Committee [The Proposed Whisky Strip Stamp], together with Appendices to the Minutes of Evidence; to be printed, with the Minutes of Proceedings of the Committee relating to the Report [No. 419] [Mrs Irene Adams]. |
| 5 | Welsh Affairs,—Minutes of Evidence taken before the Welsh Affairs Committee [The Powers of the Children's Commissioner for Wales]; to be printed [No. 538-i] [Mr Martyn Jones]. |
Page 282 Thursday 22nd April 2004 2003-2004 Volume 260 Back to top
[No. 72; WH, No. 44]
Thursday 22nd April 2004.
The House sitting in Westminster Hall
The sitting commenced at half-past Two o'clock.
| Adjournment (Transparency of Credit Card Charges—First Report from the Treasury Committee, Session 2003–04, and the Responses thereto),—Resolved, That the sitting be now adjourned.—(Paul Clark.) |
And accordingly the sitting was adjourned till Tuesday 27th April.
[Adjourned at 6.11 p.m.
[No. 73.] Friday 23rd April 2004.
The House met at half-past Nine o'clock.
| 1 | The Speaker's Absence,—The House being met, and the Speaker having leave of absence pursuant to paragraph (3) of Standing Order No. 3 (Deputy Speaker), Mrs Sylvia Heal, First Deputy Chairman of Ways and Means, proceeded to the Table. |
PRAYERS.
| 2 | The First Deputy Chairman of Ways and Means took the Chair as Deputy Speaker. |
| 3 | Local Land Charges (Fees) Bill,—Ordered, That the Explanatory Notes relating to the Local Land Charges (Fees) Bill be printed [Bill 78–EN]. |
| 4 | Protective Headgear for Young Cyclists Bill,—The Order of the day being read, for the Second Reading of the Protective Headgear for Young Cyclists Bill; |
And a Motion being made, and the Question being proposed, That the Bill be now read a second time;
Mr Eric Forth moved, that the House sit in private.
The Deputy Speaker put the Question forthwith, pursuant to Standing Order No. 163 (Motions to sit in private).
The House divided.
Tellers for the Ayes, Mr Eric Forth, Mr Edward Leigh: 0.
Tellers for the Noes, Mr Andrew Dismore, Shona McIsaac: 25.
And it appearing from the report of the Division that fewer than forty Members had taken part in the Division, the Deputy Speaker declared that the Question was not decided, and the business under consideration stood over until the next Sitting of the House.
| 5 | Constitution for the European Union (Referendum) Bill,—The Order of the day being read, for the Second Reading of the Constitution for the European Union (Referendum) Bill; |
And a Motion being made, and the Question being proposed, That the Bill be now read a second time;
And it being half-past Two o'clock, the Debate stood adjourned.
Ordered, That the Debate be resumed on Friday 18th June.
| 6 | Older People's Commissioners Bill,—The Order of the day being read, for the Second Reading of the Older People's Commissioners Bill; |
Ordered, That the Bill be read a second time on Friday 15th October.
| 7 | Adjournment,—Resolved, That this House do now adjourn.—(Charlotte Atkins.) |
And accordingly the House, having continued to sit till one minute to Three o'clock, adjourned till Monday 26th April.
[Adjourned at 2.59 p.m.
|
